Calcata, in central Italy, is a mystical, cultural and romantic place. It was the starting point of my artistic career and where I had my first exhibition. It looks like a typical Italian medieval town – built on a volcanic hill, with maze-like alleys, stone houses, dazzling views and the mouth-watering smells of food, but the large number of galleries that have opened since the arrival in the Sixties of cosmopolitan hippy settlers make it a boomtown for artists.

What do you miss most when you're away?

The fairy-tale feel of the place and its bohemian artists, magical medieval houses, mystic forests and hedonistic lifestyle. It's a town where I can be artistically inspired and creative.

I walk through the town, past the church. I reach the edge of the town, overlooking the breathtaking Valle del Treja natural reserve 500ft below and stop to contemplate the beauty of my surroundings.

Where's the best place to stay?

To feel the real magic I suggest I Sensi della Terra (Via San Giovanni 1; 0039 0761 587733; www.isensidellaterra.it), which rents out charming medieval houses and rooms dotted around the town. Double rooms cost from €25 (£20) a night and houses from €55 (£44).

Where would you meet friends for a drink?

For coffee with home-made pastries and biscuits I always go to La Sala dei 201 Thé (0761 589415). It is also the perfect place for tea drinkers as it has more than 200 teas from across the world and is open seven days a week.

Where is your favourite place for lunch?

La Fata Del Borgo (Via degli Americani 7; 0761 587719) for its fantastic Italian and ethnic food. It's a great place to go in summer.

And for dinner?

After the opening night of my first exhibition, a group of us went to Tugurio (Via Sinibaldi 7; 0761 587388; open Saturday-Sunday). Small yellow street lamps led us down the hill to this cosy candlelit restaurant. The home-made food with delicious red wine made the night even more memorable.

Where would you send a first-time visitor?

In Arte Calcata (Via Cavour 26) is a place for anyone interested in art. It's a kind of cultural association, run by artists, where visitors can explore their own creativity. For a real experience of the relationship between art and nature, visit Opera Bosco, the Museum of Art in Nature (0761 588048; www.operabosco.eu/museo); Walk around two acres of woodland, looking at artworks made from natural materials.

What would you tell them to avoid?

Credit cards. Carry cash so you can bargain in the local shops.

Public transport or taxi?

You can walk everywhere in Calcata but to get there from Rome, the best way is to travel is by car so that you can fully experience the beautiful Lazio countryside.

Handbag or moneybelt?

Definitely handbag: you will feel safe and secure.

What should I take home?

The town is full of local craft shops. You'll be spoilt for choice.

And if I've only time for one shop?

I would suggest the antique shop Vecchie Cose next to the Palazzo Baronale. Here you will find period pottery and surreal antique pieces.

Photographer Marco Sanges's exhibition, 'Big Scenes', is at the Hay Hill Gallery, Cork Street, London (www.hayhill.com), until September 11